Making the move across the country in retirement can seem daunting. Deciding on the ideal retirement location and lifestyle with a welcoming sense of community is a process. Just ask Ed and Jan Hanney who relocated from Oregon.
We Wanted an Open Concept on The Water
The Hanneys had sunshine on their minds when they started their search for the ideal place to retire. They considered Baja, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Hawaii. Once Ed and Jan set their sights on Florida, they visited five times, roaming the coast from Naples to Sarasota and points north and east. A road trip in 2018 brought them close to Babcock Ranch, a town Jan had heard about.
“We saw cows and horses and felt like we were in the country,” Ed recalled. “The minute we drove across the bridge, we knew. That bridge says ‘home’.”
At the time, Babcock Ranch offered about 20 model homes and a handful of neighborhoods. Ed and Jan met with several builders, deciding on a single-story cottage-style home in Lake Timber with a wraparound front porch, an open floor plan and 2,000 square feet. They purchased in March 2018, selecting a homesite providing space for Jan’s garden and overlooking Lake James – named for their next-door neighbor James Aveck, the town’s second resident who invited Ed and Jan to those first meet-and-mingles.
“We were downsizing from a several-story house in Oregon on top of a hill looking at mountains,” said Ed. “We wanted an open concept on water. I told Jan about lanais – that’s our happy place now. We watch sunsets over the lake from our lanai. I’ve never seen sunsets like we have here.”
They Knew All Their Neighbors Before Moving to Babcock Ranch
Babcock Ranch, Ed realized, also offered more than great weather. There were activities close to home, Founder’s Square was complete, and Jan could walk the five minutes to yoga classes and the fitness center at the future WellWay Wellness Center. Pickleball and bocce ball courts appealed to Ed.
“Everyone was open, warm and friendly,” said Ed. “We had a rental in downtown Fort Myers for two months while our home was being built and came every Thursday for a meet-and-mingle at the restaurant in Founder’s Square. There was always a big crowd of 40 people from Lake Timber who wanted to get to know each other.”
The Hanneys’ circle of friends expanded significantly once they moved into their lakefront home in January 2019. The couple, among Babcock Ranch’s first families, met residents while volunteering and attending events, visiting Slater’s Goods & Provisions – “No. 1 on our list since we moved in” – and simply by enjoying their front porch.
“You sit on the front porch, and someone comes by and stops,” said Ed. “Before you know it, there are four neighbors talking – just like it used to be in the old days.”
Drawn to Babcock Ranch by the array of activities, Ed Hanney is a founding member of the croquet league at Babcock Ranch.
Smart Growth and Preservation Can Work Together
What stood out the most, however, was the commitment by developer Kitson & Partners. “There was a lot of infrastructure, a lot of money had been invested,” said Ed. “I was absolutely amazed by the depth and detailed thinking put into the development. It’s second to none.”
Once 18,000 acres of land, now a ground-breaking town with sustainability in its infrastructure. From solar energy to alternative transportation to vibrant gathering spots, Babcock Ranch is an innovative, welcoming town for everyone.
“The best thing about Babcock Ranch is there are so many things to do,” said Ed. “We walk every day, play hand and foot, and stay active. We were excited when Publix opened and now, we’re excited about The Shoppes at Yellow Pine. It will be great to have more restaurants.”
Ed is also a founding member of the town’s croquet league, which started four years ago and ascribes to the traditional wearing of the white. Games are offered every Sunday afternoon and attract nearly 20 players. Ed, who measures and lays out the courts to exacting standards, expects numbers to increase once the league finds a permanent home through the town’s expanding parks and recreation department.
A Blissful Adventure in Retirement
For the Hanneys, Babcock Ranch has proven a blissful adventure in retirement. The town ranks No. 6 on FloridaforBoomers.com’s 2024 Best Places to Retire based on website analytics, reader inquiries, and its array of activities, amenities, and emphasis on outdoor recreation, walking and biking paths.
“We love the area and love the surroundings here,” said Ed. “There’s a good positive vibe. Babcock Ranch was the best decision we’ve made. This is our happy place.”
Visit us today to explore all of Babcock Ranch, including beautifully decorated model homes, diverse residential offerings, and a first-hand look at the lifestyle of our community. Join us at the Discovery Center at 42850 Crescent Loop, call 941-235-6901, or tour online at www.BabcockRanch.com.
